Written by KC Floyd
An unidentified object has entered the musical atmosphere earlier this year and is currently hurtling towards Earth at an alarming speed. That something is the duo known as Angine de Poitrine. Like most people, I was introduced to this band from their performance on KEXP earlier this year. I am not quite sure what caught my attention first, the music or the outfits, but whatever it was I was caught in their beam.
Whether they hail from Quebec or from another dimension, their music is beyond the capabilities of human comprehension. Nothing proves that quite like their latest album Vol.II. Each song is filled to the brim with otherworldly funk that forces anyone listening into permanent stank-face. Despite the seemingly chaotic nature of the tracks, the two bandmates seem to have a supernatural, telepathic rhythm with one another. Despite their odd time signatures, in-the-pocket grooves and fast-paced nature the tracks remain unbelievably tight. This is evident off the rip with the opening track “Fabienk”.
Of course, one cannot talk about Angine de Poitrine in any capacity without at least mentioning the microtonality of the music. The strangeness of the band’s appearance is only added to in the strangeness of their sound. The two tracks that stand out the most in terms of this unique sound are “Sarniezz”, the opening song during their set on KEXP. The
moment that shines brightest starts around the 1:30 mark where the harmony comes in. It absolutely shouldn’t work. It sounds out of tune; it unnerves the senses; and yet, it is perfect.
There’s not much that can be said about this band, this album or this music that hasn’t already been said, or that can be said in a human language. Despite this I can say that I am excited for whatever this duo has next, and I hope they remain in this plane of space and time for a while.